Saint Andrew and Saint Cuthbert

Introduction

Saint Andrew and Saint Cuthbert in Kirkcudbright, in the Diocese of Galloway, stands on the site of the pre-Reformation church of Saint Andrew, in the former prison exercise yard. The church was designed by the London architect A. E. Purdie (1843-1920), known for his Gothic revival style. The church was opened on 26th December 1886 with a Mass sung by Father Daniel O'Brien.

History

The prison governor's house was kept to accommodate a resident priest, who was appointed in 1888. In 1891 the church was refurbished and reopened to be used solely as a church. Monsignor Joseph McHardy served as priest from 1905 to 1932.

Architecture and furnishings

In 1890 a confessional was installed and a new harmonium was bought. A new pipe organ was installed. The redesigned sanctuary was completed in 1971. The existing altar and altar rails were removed, and a new altar was placed so that the celebrant could face the people.

The tabernacle was built into the wall beneath the stained glass windows. In a recess in the south wall half way down the nave was a model of the Grotto of Lourdes. A modern cross was suspended above the altar. A new Confessional was built near the chancel and a little Lady Chapel created where the old one had been.

In 2009 the interior was improved with a new heating system, kitchen and toilets, a more suitable entrance and complete redecoration. The large statues were removed so that undivided attention might be focused on the Liturgy of the Word and of the Eucharist.

Parish life

The old school building was converted for use as the church hall, replacing Saint Andrew's Hall, and has continued in parish use ever since, also available for social and charitable groups in the wider community. Saint Andrew's Hall in High Street was used for social evenings, concerts, dances, draughts, whist drives and amateur dramatics until 1966 when it was sold.

A parish 'Brocante' raised over £1300 for charity, with £500 sent to support work in Chimteka, Malawi. The parish has representatives to Kirkcudbright Churches Together and Gatehouse Churches Together. The parish of St Andrew's & St Cuthbert's includes the former parish of St John's, Castle Douglas, and the closed Church of the Resurrection, Gatehouse of Fleet.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish has a coordinator for Holy Communion to the sick and housebound. The parish has coordinators for sacramental preparation of children and of young adults. The parish has a coordinator for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

The parish is supported by a Joint Parishes Pastoral Council and by Parish Pastoral Committees and Parish Finance Committees. The congregation of St Ninian's Scottish Episcopal Church in Castle Douglas allows the use of their church building for Mass and for funerals or weddings of those in the Castle Douglas area.